With nearly 30 years of songwriting under his belt, Dave Barnes has carved his own path through rock, acoustic, country, soul, and contemporary Christian music. Over the years, he’s collaborated with a star-studded list of artists, including Amy Grant, Matt Wertz, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, and Maren Morris. He also earned a Grammy nomination for his hit song "God Gave Me You," which was recorded by Blake Shelton making it a #1 hit. In this episode we discuss his early grunge music influences, moving from playing drums into songwriting, how comedy informs his songwriting , and we listen to the worktape of his song "Someday This Will All Make Sense" 

Known for his distinct blend of pop, folk, and hip-hop. His distinct sound has fostered hits like “Nothing Left Lose” and “Trainwreck” giving way to his 2006 Dove Award. He’s toured with John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Train, Mutemath, Keane and more. Collaborations with Trent Dabbs, Kate York, Paul Moak, Matthew Perryman Jones, Brooke and The Bluff and Micah Tawlks. In this episode we discuss early hip-hop influences, life transforming grace, working with Brook & the Bluff and listen to early worktapes of the song “Headlights Home”.

Matt Wertz, is an indie singer-songwriter whose soulful pop tunes have struck a chord with audiences worldwide. With his signature feel good indie rock-pop, Matt crafts songs that combine catchy melodies with nostalgic undertones. Throughout his career, he’s shared the stage with artists like Dave Barnes, Thad Cockrell, Jason Mraz, Ben Rector, and Gavin DeGraw, solidifying his place as a standout in the singer-songwriter scene. In this episode we discuss  early influences, his newest record, “Recently”, spotify for artists and we listen to the worktape of a song he co-wrote with Jon Foreman called “Rosalee”

Nathan Barlowe is a talented multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work as a member of the bands Luna Halo, Five Knives, Reality Check, Honeymoon Thrillers and Keith Urban’s band as a touring musician. His music has been recorded by high-profile artists like Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, and Newsboys. Nathan has also achieved significant success in the dance music scene, with three top 10 Billboard dance singles to his name. His song placements include The Voice, American Idol, in Apple commercials,  NHL Stanley Cup, the theme song for the final season of King of Queens. He is also the inventor of an innovative electronic instrument called “The Phantom,” which functions as a sampling machine played like a keyboard. We discuss how he began in music at an early age, imposter syndrome and listen to an original demo of the Luna Halo song “Feed Your Feelings”.

Clay Mills is a Grammy-nominated songwriter with cuts by Darius Rucker, Trisha Yearwood, Little Big Town, Lady A, Diamond Rio, and more. When he’s not writing, he mentors writers through Songtown, an organization he co-founded with hit songwriter Marty Dodson. Songtown offers a songwriting masterclass, community building, and mentorship. In this episode, we discuss how Clay got his start writing jingles in NYC, the importance of perseverance, and listen to the worktape of his  #1 hit, “Beautiful Mess,” recorded by Diamond Rio.

Thad Cockrell has been writing music for over 20 years, both under his own name and with his band, Leagues. His musical resume is nothing short of impressive, with co-writes and collaborations with artists like Joy Williams, Devon Gilfillian, Brittany Howard, Sandra McCracken, and many more.

In episode 59 of Worktapes, we are joined by Muscle Shoals native, singer-songwriter, and rock-Americana artist Hannah Aldridge

Leeland Mooring is a Texas-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with seven albums, four GRAMMY® nominations, and eight GMA Dove Award® nominations. LEELAND have become one of the most significant and standout voices in a new generation of worship music. In part 2 of this interview we we are joined by Jack Mooring who is an author, pastor and co-founder of the band Leeland. We discuss biblical worship writing vs emotive writing, modern vs. puritan worship songs, The Power Team, a word on Christmas music from Brother Terry and we listen to the worktape of Leeland’s song “Still Mighty”.

Leeland Mooring is a Texas-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with seven albums, four GRAMMY® nominations, and eight GMA Dove Award® nominations. LEELAND have become one of the most significant and standout voices in a new generation of worship music. In part 1 of this interview we hear about how Leeland started writing songs and touring at a young age, amazing and hilarious church stories and what shaped hi musical influence. Stayed tuned for Part 2 with Leeland coming soon!

Tia Sillers is a Grammy Award-winning songwriter with #1 hits such as “I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack) and “Blue on Black” (Kenny Wayne Shepherd). A triple Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee, she has over 40 singles recorded by artists like John Waite, Trisha Yearwood, The Chicks, Five Finger Death Punch, and many more. On this episode of Worktapes, we discuss a song she wrote with the band Flight Attendant called “Be Mine” and share an exclusive listen to the worktape!

Nicole Witt is an accomplished Nashville-based songwriter and artist, with cuts by George Strait, Lee Brice, Terri Clark, Rodney Atkins, and Ellie Holcomb, just to name a few. In episode 54, we talk to Nicole about how to keep songwriting unique, where her passion for songwriting came from, her band, The Six One Five Collective, and we get to hear an original worktape of a song she wrote with John Paul White (The Civil Wars) called “Kiss.”

Elvie Shane is an accomplished singer-songwriter, quickly making his mark in Nashville with his authentic lyrics and soulful country sound. In Episode 53, we discuss Elvie’s appearance on American Idol, his time preaching as an evangelist, and we hear the original work tape of his song, “What Do I Know.”

In Episode 52 we hear from singer, songwriter & ripping guitarist Emma Zinck! We talk about going viral on social media, writing what you feel vs writing commercial and we listen to the original worktape of “Party Song”

In episode 51 we are joing by Nashville based singer-songwriter Carl Anderson. We discuss the pros and cons of profanity in songwriting, how he somewhat casually landed a publish deal, he plays a live song for us at the end and we hear the worktape of his beautiful heart pricking song, "Friend".

EPISODE 50! A special episode celebrating a major milestone! In this episode, we talk to Abner Ramirez of the band Johnnyswim. How can songs save your life? Are they merely an art form, or do they carry something more spiritual, mystical, or universal? Can a song bring two people destined for each other closer together? Abner has the answers. For this special 50th episode, we get an exclusive listen to Abner and Amanda as they write the title track for their 2019 album, Moonlight.

In episode 49 of Worktpes we are joined by Wes Lunsford & Laurel Wright of The Young Fables!

We discuss writing songs at early ages, how songwriting can be healing through heavy loss and suffering, their documentary, " The Fable of a Song" and we hear the orginal worktape of their song, "Daddy's Girl"